[1] Reviewer:Branwyn Date:November 8, 2006 7:19 PMBoth authors are to be commended for this exceptional story. It is beautifully written and develops an interesting idea--that just as Aragorn was destined to be king, Faramir was destined to be his Steward.

The writing is smooth, well-paced, and poetic, reminiscent of Tolkien's own style. The language is carefully chosen to be archaic (as is proper for one of Tolkien's Gondorians) without being obtrusive or heavy.

It is plausible that Aragorn would have had prophetic dreams; his mother Gilraen and his grandmother Ivorwen both had the gift of foresight. In this story, Aragorn dreams of the face of the stranger who will one day be his Steward. When Aragorn does finally meet Faramir, his recognition that this is the stranger from the dreams is yet another way in which Faramir confirms Aragorn's right to the kingship (the theme of Faramir's confirmation of the rightful king is also explored in Raksha's story "The Falcon and the Star").

Aragorn's introspection is perfectly in character. We know that he is well-schooled in patience, but one has to feel for him as he suffers disappointment after disappointment over the years.

Thanks to Raksha and Linda for sharing this tale, and I look forward to reading further works from their united pens!

Report this review, #3431, for abuse of site guidelines.(Opens new window)